Halfpenny favourite to take 'Dancing' crown

William Hill give the soap star odds of 5/6 to take the ballroom crown at Christmas, with nearest rival Aled Jones ranking at 3/1.

Athlete Denise Lewis has a 7/2 chance, while Sarah Manners and Julian Clary are a 14/1 shot. Roger Black has 16/1 odds.

"With many of the top names not performing and being voted off, it is going to be a tight call to make," Hills spokesman Rupert Adams told Digital Spy. "The only comment you can make with any real conviction is that Diarmuid Gavin is not going to win. Even at 50/1 we are seeing absolutely no money at all."